Letters to the Editor

On the topic of faculty and staff, I agree that some can be more involved. Too many of my colleagues seem to have an attitude of “do your four [classes] and out the door,” while others fail to challenge students as much as they should do. We all know of faculty who demand little work and little effort from their students, yet award high grades. Regarding presence on campus in the evenings, however, you must remember that faculty do more than teach. We have heavy service responsibilities, running the gamut from academic advising to working on various governance and ad hoc committees and task forces, so much so that I’ve heard visiting consultants remark upon the heavy workload carried by this faculty as compared to other institutions. In addition, bear in mind that we have families and lives that are not entirely centered on this campus. Faculty at FPU are also among the lowest-paid faculty when compared to peer institutions, a reality which does not always encourage one to add more hours to already long workdays. Still, it is sad when I come into the library at night, and students express surprise at seeing me, asking me “Why are you here at night?” Of course, it runs both directions, since I’m also dismayed by how few students I see in the library at night, except for the perennial crowds surrounding the DVD shelves. 

 

I must also address your brief claim that areas like Athletics have high retention rates because “they make large efforts to involve, engage and incorporate their students within the overall Franklin Pierce community.” That’s good-it is their job to do so! I can urge students to attend events, attend them myself and advise organizations (I do all three) but none of that is my primary responsibility (the classroom). Second, Athletics has funding with which to recruit specific students to play on teams—no academic program has anything remotely similar. We work with all students who come here, not just those we have helped to select. Third, why shouldn’t athletes stay? Their facilities are often superior to those available to other students, they can register before most other students, and they are quite often treated as a caste above all others here at the University. Finally, what about those students who leave FPU because of a perceived over-emphasis on Athletics? I’ve certainly heard my share of students tell me over the years that they are leaving because it is a “jock school,” or because of constant fights and heavy partying by this or that team (yes, I know, athletic teams don’t drink or party during season or training). 

 

Lastly as for the “powers that be,” you are too kind. I do share your dismay at their fear of honesty and openness, two virtues normally associated with academic freedom and the pursuit of intellectual excellence. Let’s be honest—the Pierce Arrow isn’t being “screened and pre-read” it is being CENSORED. Whether requiring changes before publication or by restricting access to it once published, the results are the same—CENSORSHIP. But why are you surprised? At most schools, email is open and unfettered, as long as you abide certain basic guidelines, but not at FPU. The restrictions on campus-wide messages were put in place on a “temporary” basis by the “powers that be” some three years ago! In addition this is a university that even opens up packages being delivered to faculty (done nowhere else I’ve ever taught), and every now and then, I have mail opened and inspected prior to delivery. What we have is an Administration that for years has seemingly feared open access to information and is quite satisfied to find ways through which to exert “power” and make clear they are in charge. 

 

As a result, many are afraid to speak up or are tired of trying. Our “powers that be” then continue the charade by convening various committees and task forces charged with enhancing “trust” or “transparency” or “improving campus culture.” Ask for the reports—they exist, collecting dust. Meanwhile, nothing changes, and we are all complicit by our silent assent. 

 

So, kudos to you for your opinion piece. I hope you can see fit to publish this letter and any others you might receive. Like you, I am willing to stand by my views, and I wish you well for the second half of your career at FPU and in what I hope is a long and fruitful journalistic career.